Volvo Successfully Tests Inductive Charging

Automakers are constantly trying to find new ways to make charging time for electric vehicles faster, easier, and more convenient for customers. Volvo has just successfully finished a study for inductive charging electric vehicles through the use of electromagnetic fields.Volvo has found a way to use an electromagnetic field to transfer energy into the vehicle, where an induction coil creates an alternate field from the charging base station. A second coil in the device picks up the power and converts it back into electrical energy that charges the battery. Surprisingly, this technology is more common than you might think; you can find it throughout your home in simple appliances--even your electric toothbrush."With inductive charging, you simply position the car over a charging device and charging starts automatically. We believe that this is one of the factors that can increase the customer's acceptance of electrified vehicles," said Lennart Stegland, vice president, electric propulsion system at Volvo Car Group, in a recent statement.The research kicked off at Flanders' Drive, the knowledge center of the automotive industry, featuring different companies, including Volvo, Van Hool, and Bombardier Transportation, and was funded by the Flemish government. Volvo supplied the test car, a C30 Electric. Stegland went on to say that "The tests demonstrated that our Volvo C30 Electric can be fully charged without a power cable in about two and a half hours. In parallel with this, we have also conducted research into slow and regular charging together with Inverto, which was also a partner in the project."Just last week, Volvo showed off its new space-saving battery technology that integrates much of the cell technology into parts of the car where you wouldn't think they'd be like trunk lids and body panels. With this technology, Volvo shows us that it's not done with its electric and hybrid experimentation just yet.Source: Volvo

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